Mistaking a swan for a goose is costly
(2005-09-27)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions hunters not to mistake a trumpeter swan for a goose during the waterfowl hunting season that begins on Oct. 1. The cost is high for people who shoot swans in Minnesota, with stiff fines up to $700, possible confiscation of their shotguns, and restitution charges of $1,000 for a trumpeter swan.

According to Steve Kittelson, DNR Trumpeter Swan Restoration Project leader, the trumpeter swan disappeared from Minnesota in the 1880s. The restoration of the trumpeter swan in Minnesota began in the 1960s and continues today. Minnesota's flock of trumpeter swans now consists of more than 2,000 adult swans and at least 500 young of the year.

Because of their increased numbers and expanding range, trumpeter swans may be found in areas where they were never seen before. "These free-flying birds could show up virtually anywhere in the state," Kittelson said. "Hunters must become familiar with the differences in both size and markings between protected swans and legal ducks and geese."

Swans are three to four times the size of a Canada goose. The all-white adult swans and the light gray young swans are much larger than geese and have necks equal to their body lengths. The much smaller, dark gray Canada goose has a distinctive black head with white check patches and its neck is half of its body length.

Snow geese are much smaller than swans, their necks are shorter and they have black wing tips. Trumpeter swans usually travel in small family groups of two adults and two to six cygnets. In contrast, geese usually travel in larger flocks of up to 100 birds.

To learn more about identifying trumpeter swans and their calls, visit the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

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